Monthly fees for maintenance of WordPress Websites seem to be quite popular among web design companies, BUT are they worth it?
In the OLD days, which weren’t so long ago (we’re talking pre 2008), most websites were hand-coded via HTML. Most website owners didn’t know HTML, thus the need for a web developer to update photos and information. The alternative was building a backend that was database driven. For big companies with a large Internet budget, this wasn’t a problem, however for the mom and pop shop that needed to get online this would incur quite an expense.
GONE ARE THE DAYS OF MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEES
The WordPress platform was originally built as a blogging tool. Anyone who wanted to talk about their passions, hobbies, political views etc. started using WordPress. Typically they could install it and start using it. Not always pretty but very functional.
Time passed and WordPress evolved and has become a content management system with a very intuitive user interface. Now businesses have an affordable way to enjoy the capability to update their own websites without knowing HTML.
WordPress’ dashboard alerts you to plugins that need to be updated when you are logged in. These alerts should never be dismissed. Updating plugins and the core of WordPress is key to ensuring your website cannot be hacked via security holes that these updates quite often address as well as glitches developers have worked out. Typically updating plugins are not a problem. AS THE WEBSITE OWNER, you can click on auto update and the whole process is taken care of in a few seconds.
When customization has been incorporated into a WordPress plugin, THEN you will need the assistance of your WordPress web developer or WordPress Consultant. It is best to use the WordPress web developer you used to build the site for these updates, as they are familiar with any plugin customization that has been performed.
WordPress updates should be performed monthly or more frequently as you log into your website.
Don’t be held hostage by a monthly maintenance agreement. Call ACA Web Consulting for a FREE assessment of updates that may be needed on your WordPress website and let me tutor you on how to perform those for yourself.
It’s YOUR website, be in charge!!!
I would also add that any web consultant with any ethics would include in the design price, a specific amount of time devoted to teaching the business owner or designated web person how to maintain their new site.
I am a relatively new consultant and I always provide video tutorials and hands on teaching to my clients. The only way they ever pay ongoing maintenance fees to my company is if they choose to do that. So far, I’d say about 50% of my clients opt to do their own updates, though a couple have decided they don’t want to be bothered and have passed it back to my team, but they at least know the basics of how the back end works. It’s one of the things I love about WordPress. Easy, versatile and the search engines love it.
By the way Anita, I really enjoy reading your blog. You make very good points and a couple have saved me from having to explain the questionable practices of some of those in this business who promise the moon, which like #1 in any SERP, is just a hope, a prayer, great content and hard work. I have pointed more than one client to your post on “guarantees”. Heck, I can’t guarantee anything when it comes to another company.
My guarantees are limited to death, change and taxes.
Julie
Julie very good point…I include two hours of tutoring for my clients, and install a backup utility so they are aware! I love giving them BACK their own website.
Thanks for the kind words. Reminds me to continue sharing the knowledge others have blessed me with more often!
Blessings- Anita
people go back to spend one time fee for web design.how can they afford to pay monthly maintenance fee?
While some clients are comfortable handling their own content creation and updates, many clients simply don’t have the time or interest in the DIY approach. For these customers, monthly packages can be a great option. It guarantees them a block of your time every month without having to worry about being fit into your schedule, and often offers them a discount rate for the designer’s time. I find that my small business clients are usually too busy doing what they’re good at to spend their time being ‘okay’ at running their website – that’s what I’m for!